Spring Lake
Also Serving Sea Girt
COOL COCKTAILS
FUN SUMMER
DRINKS AT R BAR
WATERLILY
CELEBRATING 17 YEARS IN SPRING LAKE
COOL COCKTAILS
FUN SUMMER
DRINKS AT R BAR
WATERLILY
CELEBRATING 17 YEARS IN SPRING LAKE
As a realtor and local resident I offer all my clients a high level of expertise, knowledge and confidentiality for both buyers and sellers. My years on Wall Street allow me to negotiate confidently on your behalf and my expertise in design, renovation and custom home building will assist in your acquisition of the perfect seaside home for your family.
Donna Fahy-Waters, a top Producing broker/sales associate for more than 20 years provides experience and excellence with energy and enthusiasm while embracing the new venues of technology. She brings her Wall St. background of finance and marketing to all of her clients. She has sold waterfront properties in every town from Monmouth Beach to Seaside Heights while understanding the nuances of every glorious location.
Her business acumen, commitment to clients and intuitive sense of every market are instrumental in her success. Donna welcomes the opportunity to share her knowledge and possibilities with buyers and sellers.
Call Donna, Your Shore Realtor today and Expect the Best.
Donna Fahy-Waters, Broker Sales Associate, Luxury Property Specialist
Dear Readers,
August is my favorite month of the year. It’s still high summer, but there’s a light at the end of the fun tunnel, reminding us to live in the moment and soak up every last bit of sunshine before summer fades. The end of the month also brings a sense of new beginnings. Whether it’s back-to-school for you or your kids, or just that crisp feeling of a fresh start, there’s something invigorating about this time of year.
Now is the time to fit in all the things!
This month, we’re excited to bring you something a little different: an ice cream tour of the area. Ice cream is the quintessential nostalgic treat, evoking sweet memories of summer days gone by. Over the years, I’ve seen many ice cream shops come and go (I still miss you, Susan Murphy’s!), but each new opening brings excitement and the potential for creating new favorites for the next generation.
I remember the joy of having an ice cream shop in Sea Girt for the first time, where Surfside now stands. It felt like a dream come true. In Spring Lake, Sundae Times was a special treat after long days at the South End Beach, a reward for saving snackbar quarters all week. Hoffman’s remains a beloved staple, the cornerstone of many celebratory post-theatre cones. As a child, Hoffman’s meant chocolate malt milkshakes brought by my grandmother on sick days, a comforting companion to a chicken soup lunch.
Ice cream stirs such special memories, and I hope you create many of your own with your family in these remaining days of summer.
Warmly,
Brynn Coleman Publisher
Editor & Publisher
Brynn Coleman
Group Publisher
Jodi Bruker
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Michelle Garay
Cynthia A. Murray
Danielle Kutcher
Judith Jones-Ambrosini
Lead Photographer and Editorial Coordinator
Michelle Wolfe
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Like it or not, your home’s exterior is a mirror of you. It can reflect your taste and style. It can add to or detract from your home’s value. In order to understand the many ways our homes can reflect our personalities and interests, we spoke with Antonio Aiello, Principal at New Jersey based Devin Aiello Architects, to learn more about this year’s top exterior trends.
Siding is one of the most effective ways to transform the exterior of your home. “Siding has a more timeless appeal than some of the other options on the market,” says Aiello.
Be sure to consider design features like gingerbread shake, board and batten, and detailed trim. Fiber cement board siding, like James Hardie, is low maintenance and keeps its look long-term. It is one of the trending siding options currently on the market.
“Fiber cement board siding creates the feel and appeal of a wood siding with the longevity of vinyl or aluminum siding,” explains Aiello. Additionally, it’s a composite material that resists rot, mold, and damage.
When deciding which color you’ll use for your home overall, consider more muted colors, Aiello suggests. “Muted colors will fade less and they’ll maintain with the times—they won’t date as quickly as more vibrant colors.”
Look for a complementary color that makes an impact as an exterior accent color. “When choosing a color to add a splash of energy, I like to use bold, primary colors—a bright yellow or red, something that stands out and pulls your attention.”
Whether you create a different finish on different floors or use an accent point like a bay window or an addition, using a different kind of textured siding can create visual interest and align with design trends.
Black and other dark colors can make a beautiful statement and are on trend in recent years. According to Aiello, if you’re building a new home from the ground up, black works well because you can insulate and seal it properly. “If you’re refinishing your exterior, look into the existing insulation if you are considering darker colors to ensure it is sufficient to control heat in the summer without making your air conditioner work overtime,” Aiello shares.
Environmental sustainability is an important consideration in every purchase we make, big or small. Home exterior product manufacturers are innovating their products to be longer lasting and more eco-friendly. Finding a system that can stand the test of time helps the environment and saves you money in the long run. Look for materials that have longevity and are easy to maintain.
Patrycja’s core focus is to elevate the home exterior industry to a style-guided experience where our advisors work with you to co-imagine your dream exterior. She inspires our design team to discover and incorporate the latest style trends while honoring timeless remodeling approaches. She is the voice of the customer, drawing on our core values of transparency, integrity, and lasting quality.
Over the last 30 years, we have transformed over 6,000 homes with siding, roofing, windows, and doors and have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews. We offer $0 down financing and industry-leading lifetime material and labor warranties.
How to transition from camper to surfer with tips from Sam Hammer
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
By August, many kids will have experienced their first week or two of surf camp. Once the surf bug bites, they are hooked! We spoke to Sam Hammer, owner of Hammer Surf School in Spring Lake to get tips on how to transition your child from camper to surfer.
Sam has a wealth of knowledge and advice for anyone looking to continue with the sport of surfing. As a self-taught surfer, he meticulously watched the mechanics of other surfers and mimicked their movements, constantly learning and progressing in the sport. He eventually became a professional surfer and started Hammer Surf School 15 years ago. He, along with his highly trained staff members, give lessons that have many excited to get back on their boards again and again.
Sam has some keen advice for beginning surfers. “The hardest part of surfing is learning and understanding the ocean,” says Sam. “You’re always trying to assume what is going to happen next.” Surfers need to have a healthy respect, not fear, of the ocean, knowing that it can never be overpowered. Undoubtedly, the ocean will humble a surfer,
but also reward and teach resilience, and that keeps a person coming back again and again.
So, where does a new surfer begin once their passion ignites? A great place to start is Barewires on 3rd Avenue in Spring Lake for all of the essentials. Sam suggests choosing a board with more foam because it’s easier to paddle and get around in the water, thereby catching more waves. A soft board is ideal when starting out since it won’t get dinged, nor will it hurt as much when getting hit. A good wetsuit will allow for more hours in the ocean and will bring you into the colder months comfortably.
Once the board and wetsuit have been procured, then it’s on to the mechanics of surfing. According to Sam, “Steps one, two, and three are learning how to paddle correctly.” Paddling is a good percentage of the sport and gives surfers more opportunities to catch waves. Next, a surfer needs to learn pop-up mechanics through repetition, practice, and putting in the time.
Equally as important in surfing is the etiquette of the sport:
• Avoid dropping in on another surfer’s wave
• Remember that whoever is closest to the
peak of a wave–where the wave breaks–has the right of way
• Give enough space away from others; stay wider and out of the way as not to hurt or ruin the experience for another surfer
• Take your time and be patient and respectful of the ocean and of others
• Always surf with others around Surfing is a fun and healthy lifetime sport with many benefits. Not only are shoulders and back engaged, the abs and hips are as well. A surfer also utilizes their imagination, intuition, and social skills, all the while gaining respect for the ocean that is ever changing and challenging. “Overall,” suggests Sam, “Just have fun with it and open up your eyes to the ocean.”
To book private or group surfing lessons with Hammer Surf School, go to https://hammersurfschool.com or call 732966-6430. Make sure to also visit Barewires Surf Shop at 1307 3rd Avenue, Spring Lake or call 732-359-7780.
Danielle Kutcher is a local mom of 3 and a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys theatre, reading and going on adventures with her family.
Asbury Park’s R Bar is a great place for a summer cocktail
BY CYNTHIA A. MURRAY
When you’re spending a sun-filled summer on the Jersey shore, it is so much fun to partake in creative and colorful cocktails along the way. Although I am known as a bona fide “Wine Girl,” I very much appreciate the skill of a talented mixologist, who, like a chef, must be really good at blending flavors to craft a balanced, noteworthy drink. My favorite local cocktail queen is Lindsey Taylor at R Bar in Asbury Park on upper Main Street. She uses her inherent gifts and good taste to be one of the absolute best in our area. With her partners Kelly Victor (who grew up in Spring Lake Heights) & Casey Ritchings, this trio has manifested a vibe at their New Orleans-inspired restaurant, which is happy, musical and oh-so-tasty, from the food and drinks to the chic décor, friendly service and live bands.
Speaking of drinks, since I have been a fresh lime-infused Gin and Tonic lover for many a summer, I am especially drawn to R Bar’s “Dearly Beloved” cocktail, made with craft Gin, spiced grapefruit, fresh cucumber,
lots of fresh mint and good tonic. It tastes and looks like a Mojito met a G and T and fell in love! Super limey, refreshing and not sweet at all, the “Dearly Beloved” is a tall and sexy gin-infused drink with a bright green hue.
My other favorite cocktail from Lindsey is “Pause for Thought.” Served in an oversized wine glass with a thick slice of fresh grapefruit, this is so yummy, especially for wine lovers. Light and thirst-quenching with tangy strawberry and bright citrus notes, “Pause for Thoughtis crafted from sparkling rosé wine, citrus botanicals, fresh grapefruit, and a touch of lavender syrup. Its shimmery pale pink color lured me in and made me want to dance around their beautiful upstairs greenhouse and rooftop lounge. As an added bonus, this cocktail can easily be made as a mocktail with a nonalcoholic sparkling rosé available in-house.
Cynthia A. Murray is co-owner of The Bottle Shop, a secondgeneration wine and spirit merchant in Spring Lake.
APPS:
- Blue Crab Beignets
- Broiled Oysters
- Caviar Bumps
MAINS:
- Crawfish Pasta
- Seafood & Sausage Gumbo
- Steaks & Chops
SAMMIES:
- Shrimp Po’ Boys
- House Made Black Eyed
Pea Veggie Burger
BRUNCH:
- Pimento BLT
- Red Neck Eggs Supreme
- Chicken and Waffles
Ah, August. The Sunday of summer. The start of the month may have you questioning if you’ve hit the beach or boardwalk enough, used the backyard grill to its fullest extent, or most importantly, made a sufficient number of trips to your go-to ice cream spot before it’s closed for the season.
To answer these potentially looming
BY MICHELLE GARAY
questions in one go: there’s still plenty of time to do it all, especially cool down with a cup, or cone, of summer’s most delicious delight. From charming parlors, a block off the beach to downtown staples made for indulging, our community is home to an iconic lineup of ice cream shops that are sure to erase those end-of-summer blues.
The best part? Each destination has a
menu that boasts one-of-a-kind flavors, creations and experiences you can only find there. The even better part? We’ve toured every place and are giving you the inside scoop on what these are.
Whether it’s by car, bike or foot, grab your fellow ice cream enthusiasts and find your way to any of these sweet stops for those last licks of summer.
• Address: 569 Church St., Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762
• Hours: Open Daily from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Hours will change starting Tuesday, Sept. 3
• Must-Try Flavor: Cookie Monster
As if Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe wasn’t sweet enough with its delicious candy and chocolate assortment, the store also offers 16 flavors of hard ice cream including cotton candy, birthday cake, strawberry shortcake and sweet and salty caramel pretzel, its most popular flavor. There isn’t a better way to remedy a hot summer day. Opened three decades ago, Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe has always specialized in homemade confectionaries. While the ice cream flavors may be limited, you won’t be short on your choice of fun flavors or have your wallet depleted. Customers can take advantage of the store’s single scoop special, which comes out to $2.00 flat after tax.
“We love offering summertime ice cream,” says Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe owner Joyce Harris.
“It is something that everyone looks forward to, especially when it’s only $2.00. It’s great for families and large groups who want to get a treat without breaking the bank!”
The history of Hoffman’s dates back to 1955 in Point Pleasant when it originally started as one of New Jersey’s first Carvel Ice Cream stores. The franchise expired in 1976, which was the same year the Hoffman’s name officially came to be. Fast forward a decade later, the doors to its second location in Spring Lake Heights opened within a century-old landmark building, which foreshadowed how celebrated this establishment is today.
Step inside, take a numbered ticket before hopping in line and have your pick of homemade ice cream, chocolate-dipped waffle cones, shakes and more that can be enjoyed indoors or outside in the sunshine. Give the fan-favorite Cookie Monster flavor a try if cookie dough, Oreos and blue-colored vanilla ice cream sound enticing, or plan for a visit on its annual Octopus Day on Thursday, August 8. Hoffman’s will be serving up sundaes with eight ice cream scoops, eight toppings, eight dollops of whipped cream and a cherry, all for $8.88!
• Address: 1118 3rd Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762
• Hours: Open Daily from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hours will change starting Tuesday, Sept. 3
• Must-Try Flavor: Sweet and Salty Caramel Pretzel
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a sundae outside at one of its tables or have a cone in hand while walking on 3rd Ave., Belle’s Ice Cream is at your delicious disposal for both scenarios and more.
“I wanted to build something meaningful that brought joy and happiness to people,” says owner Michael Natale, who opened Belle’s in 2017. “The people who visit and live in Spring Lake are some of the nicest people you’ll meet anywhere on the Jersey Shore. I love getting to know our customers by name, and to help create smiles on their faces through the quality of the product we deliver and the exemplary customer service we strive for.”
The super-premium, hand-scooped ice cream at Belle’s is made right in New Jersey twice a week, and among its creamy flavors and non-dairy options is the Spring Lake Sunrise. Vanilla ice cream and salted caramel meet in this delectable, and if you’re truly looking to treat yourself — as you should! — opt for one of Belle’s Ice Cream’s homemade waffle cones as the foundation.
• Address: 300 Morris Ave., Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762
• Hours: Open Daily until Monday, Sept. 30 from 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Must-Try Flavor: Spring Lake Sunrise
• Address: 17 Atlantic Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762
• Hours: Open Daily until Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Must-Try Creation: Waffle Sundae
The facade of the family-owned Sundae Times nearly blends right in with its neighborhood, which only speaks to the feeling of home elicited by the business. Conveniently sitting a block off Spring Lake’s Atlantic Avenue beach, the parlor has served locals and visitors alike for over 20 years. The aroma of homemade Belgian waffles that greets you upon entering will keep you returning, as well as Sundae Times’ refreshingly cool mint chocolate chip ice cream which is a popular selection. If you’re up for a more decadent creation that allows you to taste one of those Belgian waffles, a waffle sundae is exactly what you’ll want to order. Choose your three scoops and a topping or two that’ll be paired with whipped cream, cherries and a waffle base. And make sure to grab some extra utensils for those who will undoubtedly ask for a bite.
“There’s such a family aspect to this area, and watching families grow up in front of our eyes has been quite rewarding,” says Dr. Robert Lombardi, owner of Sundae Times. “So many times at the beginning of the season, we hear, ‘Well, now summer has started because we got our Sundae Times fix!’ We hope to continue doing this for as long as possible and create an impression on everyone who visits our shop.”
It’s also important to note that Sundae Times has a cash-only policy, however an ATM sits inside for convenience if needed.
Now in its tenth summer, Surfside Frozen Custard has become a savory staple in the heart of Sea Girt. Splashed across the surfboard-inspired menus are the custard offerings you can choose from, all of which are made fresh each day in-house. You’ll always have your pick of toppings at Surfside, and shaded picnic tables are plentiful if sitting back and relaxing with your custard is what you’re after.
“Our favorite part about owning Surfside has been creating an amazing community in Sea Girt for people to come and enjoy the simple things, surrounded by the people they love,” says the Earle family, who owns Surfside Frozen Custard. “Our customers, and Sea Girt’s residents, are truly one of a kind, constantly showing their support for the business and the town. We wouldn’t be where we are without them!”
On its menu for summer 2024 is Candy Land, made by social media personality Alix Earle. This cotton candy custard with rainbow sprinkles is the perfect hue of pink for the season, and the creation only gets sweeter with every bite. No matter if you need a post-beach snack or a mid-day treat, there’s always a reason for Surfside!
• Address: 500 Washington Blvd., Sea Girt, NJ 08750
• Hours: Open Daily until September from 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Must-Try Creation: Candy Land
If you’re looking to take your sweet tooth a town over, Coney Waffle Ice Cream & Sweet Shop is the place to go. For a bite of history, it all started on Coney Island in the 1940s with Angelina D’Esposito, who sold boardwalk goers ice cream scoops in freshly-made waffles. Coney Waffle would eventually be named after Angelina’s handheld creation, and her grandson, Joe, would continue this legacy seven decades later by opening the first physical location in Belmar in 2016.
Situated on Ocean Avenue, Coney Waffle Ice Cream & Sweet Shop is a whimsical, welcoming sight on the outside with its eye-catching block letters and ample seating, and equally on the inside with more than 50 flavors on deck, including vegan and Italian ice options. If you’re a first timer, the Coney Waffle is certainly a creation to order at this seasonal location, as you’ll have the opportunity to pick your three ice cream scoops to pair with the waffle base.
“One of the most rewarding parts of owning Jersey Shore ice cream shops is the joy of being part of so many people’s happy memories,” notes Joe D’Esposito, owner of Coney Waffle Ice Cream & Sweet Shop. “My grandmother would have been incredibly proud to see Coney Waffle’s success today. Being a businesswoman in the 1940s came with its challenges due to the era’s limited opportunities for women. Seeing her creation loved by so many would have filled her with immense pride.”
• Address: 803 Ocean Ave., Belmar, New Jersey 07719
• Hours: Open Daily Until Monday, Sept. 30 From 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Must-Try Creation: The Coney Waffle
Waterlily Co-Owners Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa reflect on fashion, friendship and their start in Spring Lake.
Almost every morning before the spring of 2007, longtime friends Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa would grab seats next to one another on the bus for their commute to New York City.
“We’d constantly fantasize about opening our own store close to home. We laughed that the businesspeople surrounding us were probably rolling their eyes listening to these two girls jabbering on about opening a clothing shop,” says Holloway, a Manasquan native.
17 years and three locations later, it’s evident that Waterlily was always meant to be much more than a daydream for the duo, who both graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology with degrees in Fashion Merchandising Management. With a friendship that began in high school and a shared passion for fashion, Holloway
BY MICHELLE GARAY
and Spinosa brought Waterlily to life in Spring Lake in 2007 where it continues to shine as bright as the designs within.
“Our dream was to ride our bike to work and hit the beach at the end of the day,” continues Holloway. “I loved my job and learned so much, but commuting to the city for work made Catherine and me realize what a special community we lived in. We wanted to be close to friends and family while enjoying our lives on a day-to-day basis.”
Today, Waterlily’s soft pink front door sets the tone for the easy-breezy flair that greets visitors inside. Adorning every wall, table, and rack are flowy silhouettes, spirited colors, and transitional pieces that capture the essence of summer year-round, all intentionally selected by Holloway and Spinosa to celebrate the lifestyle that living by the beach lends.
“Originally, we wanted to open in Manasquan, but there wasn’t a space available,” Holloway shared. “One day I pulled up to Jean Louise and I saw that Freedman’s Bakery was empty. It seemed like a sign. What spot could be better than next to my favorite chocolate shop? I called Catherine on the spot. It was the best kind of happy accident. We signed the lease and started cleaning up the poppy seeds left over from Freedman’s right away!”
During the renovation of the Freedman’s space, the pair unearthed the creative spark for their business’s name right in Spring Lake. “In addition to us both loving the name Lily, we wanted something feminine that also had a nod to the ocean or water,” Holloway shared. “One day during the renovation, we were driving past the lake and saw the water lilies blooming. It was perfect.”
Once Waterlily’s doors opened in 2007, the customers came, the excitement surged, and the expansion conversations quickly joined the picture. A second storefront entered Manasquan in 2009, followed by a third in Bay Head two years later. The Spring Lake shop also found a new, more spacious home right across the street in 2013 where it currently sits today. Their original location continues to hold a special place in their heart.
“I grew up riding my bike into town and getting candy from Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe and chips from Main Pharmacy. It feels like home to me,” shared
Spinosa. “Opening up in Spring Lake was the best decision we ever made. This town is such a gem! Over recent years the BID and Chamber have worked so hard to make Spring Lake the busy, thriving destination it is today. We are so lucky to be a part of it.”
They have both raised their boys in and around their shops. “My son Trevor was born our first summer in Spring Lake,” Holloway shared. “I brought him to work with me every day. When they say it takes a village - it absolutely applies to Spring Lake. So much ‘mom advice’ came from my early days at Waterlily. The women shopping in our store are more than customers, many times they felt like mentors, friends and
extra hand when you needed it.” The duo have watched their customers grow with the business and even bring their own teen daughters in to shop. “We love staying in touch with our customers and watching their families grow. Some of our early customers are now coming in with their young families - it’s really cool to see,” said Spinosa. “Between the magic of Halloween on Third Ave, Divine Park to look at the turtles and explore, watching surf contests and hanging with family, Spring Lake is so entrenched in both of our family’s memories,” said Holloway.
Running a fashion business is no easy feat, particularly when trends are changing more rapidly than ever. After 17 years, Holloway and Spinosa unquestionably have their formula down to ensure they’re prioritizing the wants and needs of their customer, while still finding a balance with the Waterlily vibe.
“It’s crazy how much trends have changed since we opened. Now, with social media, fashion cycles are moving much faster and we have to consider what might emerge after we have already ordered for a season,” reflects Holloway. “We’ve noticed that as social media influence has grown, so have shoppers’ confusion about what to wear. Customers are looking for styling advice now more than ever.”
Content surrounding the store’s latest sundresses, sweaters, and accessories is regularly shared, and visitors — both on Instagram and in-store — will be excited to know that the co-owners are set on remaining thoughtful in their approach to offering an assortment that nods to seaside living. “We always say we have the best customers,” continues Spinosa, who is optimistic about the future of Waterlily. “We hope to keep doing what we love, with the people with love, in communities we love.”
Michelle Garay is a New Jersey native who is passionate about spotlighting the local scene. She is the founder of Jerseat Girl Media, a social media and creative services company for restaurants.
Sending lots of luck to Sea Girt Elementary’s Class of 2024 as they head off to high school! The class is shown above in their eight grade class photo, and to the right, in their first grade class photo from 2017.
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